QR Codes on Brochures

Brochures remain a leading direct marketing tool that allows you to give details about your business and what it can do. QR Codes on brochures are the perfect way for your customers to transition from the paper in their hand to your digital content.

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How to Use QR Codes on Brochures

Difference between flyers and brochures

Flyers and brochures vary in size, layout and design. A flyer is generally printed on a single sheet and contains easy-to-read text along with an eye-catching image to capture attention. It is meant to be a quick read, allowing the reader to skim through and learn about what’s being advertised.

Brochures are more detailed and contain multiple pages of descriptive information. A brochure is generally printed on a standard size sheet in a variety of folds to section different types of information. Popular uses for brochures include event agenda brochures, company branding pamphlets, sales brochures, spec sheets, menus and mailers.

5 best practices for using QR Codes on marketing brochures

1. Choose the right QR Code type

Brochures can have a variety of purpose depending on the information you want to provide. Is your brochure solely educational or sales-driven with information on a specific product or service? First, determine your messaging so you can consider how to get it across.

There are also different QR Code types for every type of message. If you want to show a series of videos about your company, you can use the Video QR Code on your branding pamphlet. For promoting an upcoming event, the Event QR Code is an easy way for guests to add it to their calendars. Providing an incentive on a sales brochure like a discount or promotional offer, consider the Coupon QR Code. For more QR Code types, check out our list here.

2. Design with color

QR Codes don’t have to be black and white in order to get scans. In fact, adding color is the easiest way to make them stand out on your brochures. You can incorporate your brand or campaign theme to the whole Code or select only certain elements to design. If you want to include a color version of your logo to the center of the QR Code, pick colors that match so it’s not strenuous on the eyes. In general, stick with one main color and 1-2 accent colors.

There are also a few things to consider when it comes to choosing colors. Pastel hues that are too soft may come out lighter than it looks on screen after printing. To avoid issues, always choose contrasting colors to be confident that your QR Code is scannable.

3. Include a call to action

On your brochure, include your contact information and social media platforms on the back panel where people usually place their call to action. You can use the Business QR Code to share your contact information or Social Media QR Code to provide an easy way to follow your accounts. And along with every QR Code, it’s always a good idea to also provide a call to action using QR Code Frames so that customers know what to expect before scanning.

4. Consider size and placement

QR Codes on brochures should be at least 2 x 2 centimeters (around 0.8 x 0.8 inches) in size. To increase your chances of getting more scans, place it towards the center of your layout for easy scanning accessibility and make it as large as possible. Avoid printing on edges that cut off your QR Code or on folds that would distort the image since this makes it unscannable.

5. Use high-quality images

When printing, always use the best resolution available. Professional printers will need high-quality images, so provide your QR Code in .eps or .svg format by downloading it directly in your account. And especially with costly, high volume print jobs, it’s always a good idea to request proofs from your printer. Test scan the QR Code on your samples to catch any mistakes in time.